---
title: Non-Lateral Markers
description: Types of buoys & markers What does this non-lateral marker indicate? Regulatory and informational markers are easily identified through which features?
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/pcoc2021/images/buoys-rectangle-hr.png
---

### What does a non-lateral marker indicate?

- Non-lateral markers are used to advise you of situations, dangers, or directions. 
- They may indicate shoals, swim areas, speed zones, etc. 

### Non-lateral markers are easily identified through which features?

You can quickly recognize them by the distinct orange stripes wrapping the top and bottom of each marker. 

## Exclusion buoy / Keep-out buoy

### What does a white buoy with an orange crossed diamond indicate?

**What should you do when you see a white buoy with an orange crossed diamond?**

You must keep out of the area.

Vessel operation is prohibited.

Typical areas for these buoys are swimming area, rapids and dams.

![Keep out buoy](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/keep-out-buoy-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=keep-out-buoy-hr-2.png)

## Danger buoy

### What does a diamond non-lateral marker indicate?

The nature of danger may be indicated inside the diamond shape, such as rock, wreck, shoal, dam, etc.

![Danger buoy](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/hazard-buoy-shoals-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=hazard-buoy-shoals-hr-2.png)

## Control buoy

### What does a white marker with an orange circle mean?

The type of control is indicated in the circle, such as slow, no wake, anchoring, etc.

It may show white light and/or may be lettered. 

![Control buoy ](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/control-buoy-standardized-speed-limit-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=control-buoy-standardized-speed-limit-hr-2.png)

## Information buoy

### What does an orange square mean on a buoy?

**For displaying information such as directions, distances, locations, etc.**

![Information buoy](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/information-buoy-marina-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=information-buoy-marina-hr-2.png)

Now that you have an idea of the different types of non-lateral buoys and markers you will encounter while boating, come discover with us all the other aspects of boating with our [online boating safety course](https://aceboater.com/en-us/) and obtain your [boater card.](https://aceboater.com/en-us/)

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